The opposition parties, calling it an “apocalyptic human tragedy”, suggested a series of measures that also included the distribution of free vaccines.
Demanding that the Centre takes immediate action as the ferocious second wave of Covid rips through the country, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and hundreds of thousands dead, twelve major opposition parties have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opposition parties, calling it an “apocalyptic human tragedy”, suggested a series of measures that included the distribution of free vaccines, a stop to the work on the Central Vista project and a repeal of farm laws.
“We have repeatedly in the past drawn your attention, independently and jointly, to the various measures that are absolutely imperative for the Central government to undertake and implement. Unfortunately, your government has either ignored or refused all these suggestions. This only compounded the situation to reach such an apocalyptic human tragedy,” the letter read.
The suggestions given by the opposition parties in the letter:
* Central procurement of vaccines from all available sources – global and domestic.
* Immediate free, universal mass vaccination campaign
* Compulsory licensing to expand domestic vaccine production
* Spending the ₹ 35,000 crore budgetary allocation for vaccines
* Stopping the Central Vista construction and using the money for oxygen and vaccines
* Releasing all money held in the “unaccounted private trust fund”, PMCares to buy vaccines, oxygen and medical equipment
* ₹ 6000 per month for the unemployed
* Free distribution of foodgrain to the needy
* Repeal of farm laws to protect farmers falling victim to Covid
Leaders of all key political parties have signed the letter except Kejriwal’s AAP and Mayawati’s BSP.
The parties also sought a response from the PMO on their letter. “Though it has not been the practice of your office or government, we would appreciate a response to our suggestions in the interests of India and our people,” it said.
BJP chief JP Nadda on Tuesday had given a stinging response to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s criticism of the government’s handling of the Covid crisis.
“Your party, under your leadership, is doing no favours to itself by opposing lockdowns and then demanding for the same (sic), ignoring the Centre’s advisories on the second wave of Covid and then saying they did not get any information, holding massive election rallies in Kerala causing a spike in Covid cases while grandstanding about election rallies elsewhere, supporting protests but speaking about following Covid guidelines,” Mr Nadda wrote.
“Even when the second wave was on the rise, your party leaders were happier being seen in super spreader political events in north India, where there was no regard for masks or social distancing. This is not an era when such information can be erased from public memory,” he added.
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